chicago trip

Before David and the girls dropped Jonathan and I off at the airport, we went downtown and visited the Magnificient Mile.  We drove along Lake Shore Drive and then went to visit the American Girl Store to get Molly and Emily's ears pierced and the Lego Store.  The parking was crazy but it was really fun for the kids.  On the way back to the van we stopped in at the Disney Store just for fun.

Chicago skyline

Lake Shore Drive

The Magnificient Mile

Girls with their purchases

Standing at Molly's cubical era

Lego spider at the entrance of the Lego store

Lego Darth Vader

Jasmine creating something

Jireh creating something

Dino and cameras

Outside the Disney Store on the Magnificient Mile

greetings from alaska

Greetings from the state of Alaska. It is a very cool crisp morning here in Anchorage, 31 degrees. Jonathan and I have been here since Friday night. We arrived at the airport about 10:15 pm after a slight delay because of weather in Chicago. We had a very smooth flight. We have had a very relaxing time since our arrival. Although there is lots to do here, it is nothing compared to life at home. No time to ever sit down at home.

The plane ride

The mountians where Jessica's family goes sledding in the winter

Cadyn, Derek, Casey & Eli

just an update

The school uniform business is in full swing here with not much time to sleep.  It is hard to keep it all in order.  The kids are doing really good with their new home school DVD's from Bob Jones.  It is a great program, although I think much more work on mom!  Uniforms are being produced and going out everyday all over the country.  David is due to be layed off soon from his day job and then will pick up his side construction business and go with that for a little while.  I am actually thinking he should stay layed off long enough to finish my kitchen trim.  It is the last thing to do before the renovations are completed.  In 24 days, Jonathan and I will be flying out to spend a week with Jessica and the boys in Alaska.  It should be a great trip.  We are both looking forward to it although I have to admit, I am not at all looking forward to the flight!  Will post another day the things we have done this summer when there is more time.

jasmine's 9th birthday party

Jasmine turned 9 on August 24th.  She wanted to have a Hawaiian

party so we set out to prepare.  Everything you see in these photos

as far as decorations was on clearance... whole party...$15! 

YIPEEE and a whole lot of fun!

I decided to make her cake from a photo she found in a book.  I am glad my

children are so easy to please!

The decorations!

Then it was off to the picture taking.  Jireh wasn't too sure about all the

hoola skirt stuff!

The girls with the bird!  HA!

When the guest arrived they went out and played pass the coconut (like

hot potatoe) and then came in for treats.

We had lots of fresh fruit including a real pineapple and a real coconut.

They drank strawberry/banana sluchies!

Then it was on to the gift opening.  She got many nice gifts.

A puzzle board, jewelry, polly pockets, webkin, doll clothes,

American Girl books and notebook things.

Then it was on to the yard for some games.  They jumped in the trampoline, played

on our park slide and then played some volleyball.  Back to the trampoline for the most fun.  It was a beautiful evening. 

Jasmine is such a sweetheart and growing into quite a young lady.

There are a few special things I love about Jasmine.

1. She is joyful

2. She is sensitive

3. She is sweet

4. She is creative

5. She is very organized

6. She can be so silly

7. She is diligent

8. She is determined

9. She is energetic

Thank you God for allowing Jasmine to be a special part of all our lives!